Operable

User interface components and navigation must be operable.

34 Success Criteria5 Guidelines

About This Principle

The Operable principle ensures that all users can operate interface components and navigate content. This means that users must be able to interact with all functionality using their preferred input method, whether that's a mouse, keyboard, voice control, switch, or other assistive technology. Interface components cannot require interaction that a user cannot perform.

Why It Matters

If users cannot operate the interface, they cannot use the website or application. This principle addresses the needs of users who cannot use a mouse, have limited dexterity, use voice control, or rely on assistive technologies like switch controls. Many accessibility barriers occur when interfaces are designed only for mouse users, excluding keyboard-only users and those using assistive technologies.

Impact: Approximately 15% of the world's population lives with some form of disability. Many users rely on keyboard navigation, voice control, or other assistive technologies. Making interfaces operable for all input methods is crucial for universal access.

Key Concepts

All functionality must be keyboard accessible
Users need enough time to read and use content
Content should not cause seizures or physical reactions
Users must be able to navigate and find content easily
Multiple input methods should be supported (mouse, keyboard, touch, voice)
Interactive elements must be large enough and have sufficient spacing

Real-World Examples

How this principle is applied in practice

Ensuring all interactive elements can be reached and activated with keyboard only

Providing ways to pause, stop, or hide moving, blinking, or scrolling content

Avoiding content that flashes more than 3 times per second

Providing skip links to bypass repetitive navigation

Ensuring touch targets are at least 24x24 CSS pixels

Allowing users to extend time limits when needed

Guidelines Overview

This principle includes 5 guidelines covering different aspects

2.1 Keyboard Accessible

4 success criteria

2.2 Enough Time

6 success criteria

2.3 Seizures and Physical Reactions

3 success criteria

2.4 Navigable

13 success criteria

2.5 Input Modalities

8 success criteria

Operable

About This Principle

Why It Matters

Key Concepts

Real-World Examples

Guidelines Overview

2.1 Keyboard Accessible

2.2 Enough Time

2.3 Seizures and Physical Reactions

2.4 Navigable

2.5 Input Modalities

2.1 Keyboard Accessible

2.1.1 Keyboard

2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap

2.1.3 Keyboard (No Exception)

2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts

2.2 Enough Time

2.2.1 Timing Adjustable

2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide

2.2.3 No Timing

2.2.4 Interruptions

2.2.5 Re-authenticating

2.2.6 Timeouts

2.3 Seizures and Physical Reactions

2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold

2.3.2 Three Flashes

2.3.3 Animation from Interactions

2.4 Navigable

2.4.1 Bypass Blocks

2.4.2 Page Titled

2.4.3 Focus Order

2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context)

2.4.5 Multiple Ways

2.4.6 Headings and Labels

2.4.7 Focus Visible

2.4.8 Location

2.4.9 Link Purpose (Link Only)

2.4.10 Section Headings

2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum)

2.4.12 Focus Not Obscured (Enhanced)

2.4.13 Focus Appearance

2.5 Input Modalities

2.5.1 Pointer Gestures

2.5.2 Pointer Cancellation

2.5.3 Label in Name

2.5.4 Motion Actuation

2.5.5 Target Size

2.5.6 Concurrent Input Mechanisms

2.5.7 Dragging Movements

2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum)

Operable

About This Principle

Why It Matters

Key Concepts

Real-World Examples

Guidelines Overview

2.1 Keyboard Accessible

2.2 Enough Time

2.3 Seizures and Physical Reactions

2.4 Navigable

2.5 Input Modalities

2.1 Keyboard Accessible

2.1.1 Keyboard

2.1.2 No Keyboard Trap

2.1.3 Keyboard (No Exception)

2.1.4 Character Key Shortcuts

2.2 Enough Time

2.2.1 Timing Adjustable

2.2.2 Pause, Stop, Hide

2.2.3 No Timing

2.2.4 Interruptions

2.2.5 Re-authenticating

2.2.6 Timeouts

2.3 Seizures and Physical Reactions

2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold

2.3.2 Three Flashes

2.3.3 Animation from Interactions

2.4 Navigable

2.4.1 Bypass Blocks

2.4.2 Page Titled